Have you ever had your septic system fail? It's never a pleasant experience and can be costly, not to mention time-consuming. Luckily, there are ways you can take proactive steps to improve your septic system's functionality before it reaches a critical state.
Septic systems are important to the functioning of most households across the globe; however, they’re often overlooked until there's a problem. Knowing how to maintain good septic system function before it reaches this point can save you a lot of stress and money in the long run.
Here are some tips that will help keep your septic system in good shape for years to come: from what items should be disposed of properly to
preventive maintenance measures. With the steps outlined here, you can keep your septic system in optimal condition and ensure its smooth performance.
1. Pump Out Your Septic Tank Regularly
The most important thing you can do to prevent and maintain any septic system is to regularly
pump out your septic tank. You should aim to do this every 3-4 years, but you may need it more or less often depending on the size of your tank and the number of home occupants.
This will help keep solids from building up and allow wastewater to flow freely throughout the system, improving its overall health and effectiveness.
2. Install a Septic Tank Riser
A septic tank riser is a great way to improve the function of your system, as it provides easy access for your
service company to monitor or perform maintenance on the tank. It also eliminates the need for excavation when accessing the tank since it sits above ground.
3. Use Biodegradable Products
Biodegradable soaps, laundry detergents, shampoos, cleaners, dishwashing liquids, and toilet paper can help significantly reduce the amount of solid waste that accumulates in your pipes over time. This will help minimize clogging issues caused by chemicals and non-biodegradables that can otherwise make their way into the septic tank.
4. Clean Grease Traps Regularly
Grease traps are designed to capture oils and fats that accumulate in drains over time before they reach your septic system or sewage lines, but they can easily become clogged if not properly maintained. To ensure that they are functioning optimally at all times, regularly clean out grease traps using cleaners specifically designed for this purpose.
5. Plant Trees Away From Your System
It’s best to plant trees far away from where your drainfield runs through since their roots tend to grow deep into the ground — which may damage pipes or drainage systems if planted too close by. They also interfere with the effective absorption rates of water running through a drainfield during rainy periods.
6. Conserve Water
Reducing the amount of water going into your septic system can help to improve its performance. Taking shorter showers, using low-flow toilets, and spacing out your laundry days make a difference. Installing an aerator on faucets can reduce their water flow by 25%. Also, check for leaky faucets and fix any as soon as possible to prevent tank overload.
7. Put Drain Strainers
Putting a strainer on all sinks (kitchen/bathroom), tubs, and showers help immensely with stopping large pieces of particulate matter from entering the system. This debris can cause blockages and attract pests like mosquitoes more frequently than open drains would allow!
8. Add Good Bacteria to the Tank
Maintenance products like Honey-Zyme add beneficial bacteria to the septic tank. This is crucial if your tank is exposed to chemicals like bleach, detergents, and cleaners that may kill off these naturally occurring organisms vital in keeping your system performing properly. They assist in breaking down solids and organic matter, which would otherwise accumulate within.
Enhance Your Septic Maintenance with Professional Help
For the most effective septic maintenance, working with a professional is always a smart choice. A trained technician knows exactly what needs to be done for your system to return to its optimal condition quickly, safely, and efficiently.